Beyond the Mainland: Madeira and the Azores

Accommodation Options:

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  Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel

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  Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel

  

  Highlights

  • Suites with balconies or patios & harbor or ocean views
  • Multiple on-site eateries, including a Michelin-starred restaurant
  • Several pools, one with direct access to the ocean
  • Spa and fitness center
  • Various activity options from golfing to hiking

  About Reid's Palace

  Originally opened in 1891 to provide a luxurious respite for those traveling by ocean liner, Reid’s Palace has had a rather illustrious list of guests over the years, including the Windsors, Habsburgs, and Winston Churchill. The grand palace set on a terraced hillside above the Bay of Funchal, has undergone an extensive renovation since. Surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful gardens, it boasts views of the bay, the mountains, and the city. Guests can enjoy multiple pools, including one that has a platform providing direct access to the sea. Families with children can take advantage of the playhouse that has a paddling pool. There’s also a lavish spa with a menu of stress-melting treatments, and a range of activities can be organized, from botanical tours of the hotel’s gardens to hiking and golfing on an ocean-view course.

  Dining is a definite highlight at this hotel, with multiple restaurants, including the Michelin-starred William with dishes featuring local, seasonal cuisine enjoyed with a spectacular panoramic view. Casual moonlit dinners can be enjoyed on the Ristorante Villa Cipriani terrace, and there’s an opulent cocktail bar too. The ultra-luxe suites feature patios or balconies with views of the harbor or ocean.

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  Savoy Palace

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  Savoy Palace

  

  Highlights

  • Suites have exclusive use of rooftop infinity pools
  • Balconies in all rooms and suites
  • Impressive dining onsite from pub grub to fine dining with panoramic views
  • Multiple pools in an indoor-outdoor complex
  • Portugal's largest spa

  About Savoy Palace

  The brand new version of the original Savoy that was built in 1918, Savoy Palace also enjoys the same prime spot along the waterfront in Funchal’s harbor area, while inspired by the original’s sophistication and glamor. You’ll find a mix of luxurious modern comforts and old-world allure, like the grand piano in the bar and the marble lobby with romantic staircases. It boasts the largest spa in the country which includes hydrotherapy facilities, while connected to an indoor-outdoor pool complex with waterfalls. Suite guests enjoy their own exclusive rooftop infinity pools with breathtaking Atlantic views. Hydroponic produce is grown right on the property to provide ingredients to the hotel’s array of stylish restaurants and bars which includes options for sumptuous buffet breakfasts and highlights like the Galaxia Skyfood & Skybar with an open kitchen and a panoramic view. At VIMES, enjoy tasty pub grub and an extensive selection of craft beers along with a variety of entertainment.

  The rooms and suites all include balconies with views of the ocean, bay, and/or city, along with various upscale perks like robes and slippers, complimentary tea and coffee, a minibar pillow menu, turndown service, and 24-hour room service.

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  Grand Hotel Altantico

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  Grand Hotel Altantico

  

  Highlights

  • 5-star landmark hotel with North Atlantic views
  • Various tours and activities can be arranged, including whale-watching
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Well-equipped fitness center
  • Ocean-view restaurant and bar with entertainment

  About Grand Hotel Atlantico

  Grand Hotel Atlantico is a 5-star landmark hotel that provides an ideal base, facing the marina in Ponta Delgada with views of the North Atlantic just a short stroll from the historic center and many attractions. A wide range of experiences can be arranged, from whale watching in one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries where 20 different types of cetaceans can be spotted, to visits to the famous thermal pool at Terra Nostra Garden and the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest of its kind in Europe. After a day of exploring, guests can look forward to relaxing in the beautiful, heated indoor pool. There’s a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines and weight-training equipment, and a restaurant and bar. The BALCONY restaurant offers signature Azorean fare enjoyed with spectacular ocean views while VAPORE Bar & Lounge offers drinks, light meals, and entertainment. 

  All rooms and suites at the Grand Hotel Atlantico offer city, bay, or ocean views, with standard amenities including flat-screen TVs, minibars, cozy bathrobes, and spacious bathrooms with upscale toiletries. Book one of the suites for more space, a sea view, and a balcony.

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  Octant Ponta Delgada Hotel

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  Octant Ponta Delgada Hotel

  

  Highlights

  • Overlooking the harbor providing panoramic views
  • Rooftop ocean-view pool
  • Spa with a Turkish bath, sauna, & steam room
  • A-Terra restaurant
  • Private balconies with sea views in every room

  About Octant Ponta Delgada Hotel

  Located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, the 5-star Octant Ponta Delgada Hotel overlooks the harbor boasting panoramic ocean views within close proximity to the city center for exploring. An architectural showpiece inspired by the island’s natural materials it provides an ideal base for exploring the lush Sao Miguel landscapes while offering plenty of its own. That includes a pool on the rooftop where you can watch for whales while enjoying a dip and an adjacent heated hydrotherapy whirlpool for soothing sore muscles. The luxury eco-focused spa offers pampering treatments inspired by the island using organic local ingredients and vegan Pinks Boutique products while featuring a Turkish bath, a wood sauna, and a steam room. The hotel restaurant, A Terra, offers a seasonal menu of traditional Portuguese fare using Azorean produce with a gourmet twist, such as the catch of the day with polenta that can be capped off with a mouthwatering dessert. 

  Guest rooms feature private sea-view balconies, comfy beds with down comforters, espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. Even the smallest are quite spacious, with huge windows spanning the height and length of the walls so you can enjoy the view from bed or the balcony.